10 + 2 is here. Are you ready?

The much anticipated “10+2” program has arrived at US trading ports. Since last month, an Importer Security Filing (ISF) is required by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is intended as terrorism countermeasure, to prevent smuggling of weapons and other illegal goods. It requires the submission of 12 data elements, including 10 from importers, and 2 from carriers (thus the name “10+2”). If your organization is importing goods into the United State of America (or if you carry those goods), it is likely that your organization is affected.

According to the CBP Web site (cbp.gov), “[they] will show restraint in enforcing the rule” until January 26, 2010. Specifically, it furthermore states “CBP will not assess liquidated damages for ISF violations” before 2010. So, there is no need to hurry, right? Wrong. As importer (or carrier) you still need to act today, and implement ISF requirements. And here is why: 1) Avoid last minute hassle to meet the 1/26/2010 deadline; 2) it’s the law (always a good reason); 3) Acting now helps you, even should you find yourself not being able to comply in time – since CBP will recognize good faith effort and progress towards compliance taken already in 2009, when considering possible actions (including hefty fines) in case of non-compliance past January 26th 2010.

So, how can you file? Is paper an option? No. What about data input on a portal (e.g. ACE)? Nope, at least not planned. E-mail? Again, answer is no. EDI (electronic data interchange) is the only option to get compliant, either as self filer or by using a broker. So filing via ABI (automated broker interface) is the way to go.

If you are an SAP BusinessObjects Global Trade Services (GTS) customer, no need to worry. Already today, the application provides the essential features to smooth the process for 10+2 filing: from management of the required data elements, over pre-population and validation of fields, to filing via entry summary and reporting and auditing. To help you learn more about the GTS support for 10+2, we put together an FAQ document that you can access here on SDN.